- Name
Melissa Espina
- Birth Date
1985-09-10
- Location
Toronto, Ontario
- Art Type
Modern Visual Arts
- Talents
Painting, Sculpting
- Bio
Exploring the themes of spontaneity, the self and adaptation, Espina creates abstract paintings simultaneously, to search and embrace a visceral lifestyle. By contrasting themes of chance verses ideas of plan and static, she works towards a path of discovery by understanding the influence of what surrounds us.
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In recent works Espina reclaims elements of her original artwork, and creates a fresh adaptation that embraces both a past and a present. Often working in a cyclical motion, she constructs her series with no beginning or end. Her process based pieces demonstrate discovery of those transitions that lead to change.
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Espina connects and reconnects with her work by using the sculptural elements of her medium, the removal and reapplication of paint, large gestures and bold colour. Her work is about ones ability to embrace the assumed future while identifying with the past.
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Born in Toronto, Canada, Espina has a BFA from OCAD University where she completed her undergraduate thesis in Florence, Italy. She has held two solo exhibitions curated by Pari Nadimi at the 2 of 2Gallery, has showcased her work in galleries and artist run centres around Europe and Canada, and continues to sell pieces to designers and home stagers in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Web Site
- Twitter Link
melespina
- City
Toronto
- Country
Canada
- Notable Projects
EXHIBITIONS
2013 Experiencing Perspectives. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Headquarters. Mississauga, Canada
2013 Abstract Implications III. Project Gallery. Toronto. Canada
2013 Abstract Implications III. Gallery 1313. Toronto. Canada
2013 Fatel Abstraction. Project Gallery. Toronto. Canada
2013 Toronto Art Expo. Toronto Convention Centre. Toronto. Canada
2012 Abstract Implications II. Oz Studios. Toronto. Canada
2012 Change Without Warning. My Mothers Basement Gallery. Toronto. Canada
2012 Artbomb. Featured Artist. Toronto. Canada
2011 Change Without Warning (Solo Exhibit). 2 of 2 Gallery. Toronto. Canada
2010 By the Pound. Sleeping Giant Gallery. Toronto. Canada
2010 Dirty Little Secrets – Guerrilla Nuit Blanche Installation (Solo Exhibit). West. Toronto.Canada
2010 Puzzle Project (Juried). The Drake Hotel General Store. Toronto. Canada
2010 BLINDNESS. Labspace Studio. Toronto. Canada
2010 Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things (Juried). Deleon White Gallery. Toronto, Canada
2009 Monosaic. Labspace Studio. Toronto. Canada
2009 April in Paris. (Juried) ARTSPACE Artist Run Centre. Peterborough. Canada
2009 Nothing of Me is Original. (Solo Show). 2of2 Gallery. Toronto, Canada. Curated By: Pari Nadimi
2008 Uncle Ronnie’s PopUp holiday ART shop: Holiday Fundraiser. Project 165 Gallery. Toronto, Canada.
2008 Whodunit?. Ontario College of Art and Design. Toronto, Canada.
2008 Per Aurim. Great Hall 100 McCaul St. Toronto, Canada
2008 Evolving DNA: OCAD’s 93rd Graduate Exhibition Graduate Show. 100 McCaul St, Toronto, Canada
2008 Per Aurim. Group Show. Via Nazionale Studio, Florence Italy
2007 Night of the Living Artist’s. Group Show. Via Nazionale Studio, Florence Italy
2006 Effects of External Forces. Solo Show. Millcorft Golf Course, Burlington Canada
2005 Art Auction Rainbow Ball Charity. Mississauga, Canada.
2005 Art Auction Toronto Fashion Show. Toronto Canada
2004 Views on Love. Group Show. Oakville Center for the Performing Arts, Oakville, Canada.
- Education
ART TRAINING AND EDUCATION
2013 George Brown College. Baking Arts
2012 Living Arts Centre. Glass Blowing.
2011 Harbourfront Centre. Glass Blowing.
2003-2009 Ontario College of Art and Design, BFA 2009. Major Painting and Drawing
2007-2008 Completed Thesis abroad in the OCAD Florence Program
2004-2005 Life Drawing: Sheridan College
- Skills / Offerings
PUBLICATIONS
2013“Experiencing Perspectives”. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Publication
2009 “UNTITLED” MAGAZINE. Issue 2.
2009 LIGHTHOUSE WIRE MAGAZINE Volume Seven 2008-2009
2008 Per Aurim: 33rd generation of OCAD students in Florence catalogue
- Certifications
RELATED PROJECTS
2010 Graphic Designer. FILM: Bird Bath. Director: Rebecca Gruihn
2009 Set Designer. FEAR. Director: Shannon Fewster, Director of Photography: Andrew Hunter.
2008 Logo Design for “Team Brother Bear Foundation“
2008 “Friends with Strangers” Artwork appears in feature length film by Brandon Lauzon
2008 “Per Aurim” – Co-Designer
2008 “My name is Hayden Ross” Artwork appears in a short film by Miguel Barbosa. Yeah Films Company.
2006-2007 ”The Brutal Truth” Creative Director. Director of Photography & Design
- Professional Associations
RELATED WORK & COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE
2013 Integrated Media Coordinator. Project Gallery Collective
2009-2013 Animateur.The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.
2012-2013 Art Educator. OCAD University
2011-2012 Special Events Coordinator. Community Arts Ontario
2010-2011 Digital Restoration Artist. Deluxe Postproduction Studios
